Archives by Year: 2023

Cleveland Public Theatre’s “Making Waves” In Their 2023/2024 Season

Cleveland Public Theatre’s (CPT) Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan is proud to announce the 2023/2024 Season “Making Waves.”

“From the gorgeous poetry of Jaiie Dayo Aliya’s Our Lady of Common Sorrows to Rachel Bublitz’s raucous humor with a heart-wrenching core in Funny, Like an Abortion, from the highly anticipated U.S.A.  premiere of legendary Israeli playwright Hanoch Levin’s world classic Requiem, to Tania Benites’ thriller Alter, to the daring, universal stories from the cast of Masrah Cleveland Al Arabi. This season is about making waves to incite ripples across our communities―getting out and living life, embracing our authentic selves, and asking ourselves and each other to level up. I can’t wait to be there with Cleveland to laugh a lot, cry, wonder, and sit in that moment of silence when we know we have just witnessed something truly profound and remarkable.” ― Raymond Bobgan, executive artistic director

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CPT’s Raymond Bobgan and Holly Holsinger Presenting in South Korea

In June, Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan and longtime CPT artist Holly Holsinger, Cleveland State University’s theatre and dance department chair, went to South Korea at the invitation of Global Women’s Performing Arts Festival (GWPAF). This trip, facilitated by acclaimed international lighting designer and professor Jakyung Seo of Kent State University, had several goals: 

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Cleveland Public Theatre announces Auditions for the World Premiere of Our Lady of Common Sorrows

Written & Directed by: Jaiie Dayo-Aliya  

Looking to cast the following roles…

Aramis: A charismatic young black man in his twenties, exuding a contemporary urban vibe. With a smooth demeanor and a quick wit, he captivates others. Aramis is a cunning trickster, skillfully navigating life’s challenges with a mischievous charm that is both delightful and dangerous.

George: An aging man in his sixties, George carries a sense of wisdom and vulnerability. Time has weakened him physically, but he remains emotionally resilient. Despite his struggles, there is a lingering aura of past strength. George battles his demons with alcohol, finding solace and inspiration within its depths. He possesses the soul of a tormented poet.

Disclosure: Some roles in the production have been cast. The current cast includes: Cristal Christian, Ashley Aquilla, Kynnedy Stewart, LaShawn Little, Amy Spencer, & Isaiah Bett.  

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CPT’s Raymond Bobgan and Holly Holsinger Presenting in South Korea

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan and longtime CPT artist Holly Holsinger, Cleveland State University’s theatre and dance department chair, will be representing the theater at the Global Women’s Performing Arts Festival in Busan, South Korea (GWPAF) this summer. The event is being facilitated by acclaimed international lighting designer and professor Jakyung Seo of Kent State University. The annual festival seeks to engage actors in a creative process to provoke conversations of equity and social justice.

Furthering Cleveland Public Theatre’s mission to raise consciousness and nurture compassion through groundbreaking performances and life-changing education programs, Raymond and Holly will be leading a workshop and discussion entitled “Finding and Sharing Voice in Action,” which utilizes physical and ensemble theatre techniques to share stories of healing and empowerment.

Finding our voice begins in the body using our creative performance skills to embody trauma, defeats, and triumphs. Seeking stories from our past, our ancestors, and our own imagination, this workshop focuses on using acting exercises of physicality, vocal expression, and creative dramatics to develop performances of power and poetry. Centering women’s empowerment, participants will create individual and collective scenes and actions to be presented in a culminating sharing of work. Participants will learn new approaches to performance creation and acting while deepening their personal creative practice. Participants will also leave with the foundational elements to create their own performances.” ―Raymond Bobgan

This workshop is being undertaken in tandem with discussions of important developments in the international theatre field which are advancing new artistic practices to make powerful art through strong rehearsal processes that are nurturing, safe and free of harassment and trauma. These creatively super-charged practices align with social justice.

Festival Director Hyeja Ju envisioned this project based on her experience of Cleveland Public Theatre in 2019 and Raymond’s subsequent visit last year that included a workshop for actors.

“I was deeply moved by the work of CPT and wanted to share this inspiration with my own community! Last year, we invited Raymond to share the CPT story of utilizing theatre to engage communities and to share the work CPT has done of championing women playwrights and directors. This year we are taking this work further. I believe that the work of Raymond, Holly and Jakyung will make a lasting impact on the Busan theatre scene and support our work in transforming our practices to be more inclusive, nurturing, and safe.” –Hyeja Ju, GWPAF director

Adding to this significant cultural exchange, Holly will also be working with director/creator Hyeja Ju on a new iteration of her production of My Dear, Helen, a cross cultural story based on the autobiographical writings of Helen Keller.

“When I saw Frankenstein’s Wake on video and later as a live zoom production, I was deeply impressed by Holly’s unique stage presence. Her command over voice, body, and spirit is remarkable. I am thrilled she will be joining this multi-cultural cast and thrilled that Cleveland will be represented on our stage!” –Hyeja Ju, GWPAF director

“This is a learning journey. We come with great experience in experimentation and supporting the creativity of performers. We know we have much to share, but more importantly we know we will be changed by this journey and will bring that impact back to our community.” ―Holly Holsinger

The Global Women’s Performing Arts Festival led by Korean artists Hyeja Ju and Jisook Lee was formed as a place to celebrate women in theatre and dance, and to address systemic misogyny in the arts and throughout the world. Formed in 2020 the festival has roots in virtual performance, and upon its success, expanded to combine virtual and live performances in 2021. Last year’s participants were able to stream CPT’s 2022 National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere of playwright/director India Nicole Burton’s critically acclaimed Panther Women: An Army for the Liberation.

“Now that there is an issue over gender equality mixed with hatred, exclusion, and disparagement both inside and outside the country, we must fulfill the tolerance of art more than ever for a world that recognizes difference, not discrimination. Until the day when we can share, empathize, and understand each other’s different perspectives, GWPAF will gather voices and movements from all over the world to open a stage that changes the world.” ―Jakyung Seo

Over the course of ten days this team will engage in a theatre workshop that includes public sharing, a broadscale community workshop, and various lectures and panels.

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Volunteer at Station Hope!

We need your support as we create this powerful and unique event for the tenth year!

What is Station Hope?

Station Hope is a free arts festival and community event filled with short works of theatre, dance, choral performances, and visual art installations, all inspired by historical and current social justice issues. Taking place throughout Cleveland’s first authenticated Underground Railroad site, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ohio City, the event aims to bring together neighborhoods and individuals to engage and reflect on social justice, equity, and a shared vision of hope. Station Hope is on Saturday, May 27th from 7:00pm – 10:00pm (volunteer shifts will start before and end after the event).

Volunteer Tasks – What do we need you to do?

First and foremost: be active and engaged in the event itself, while also helping attendees navigate the evening.

  • Check out the Event! Don’t worry – you’ll have plenty of time to experience the event yourself.
  • There are two different volunteer shifts available:
    6:15pm-8:45pm and 8:30pm-11:00pm

Specifically, volunteer duties will break down as follows:

  • Ushers – Help monitor traffic flow and answer questions, direct attendees to particular venues alongside our CPT House Management Staff.
  • Parking/Outdoor Support – Direct attendees to parking areas and event, monitor outdoor spaces alongside our CPT Facilities Staff.

Individuals who are interested in volunteering must attend the volunteer meeting before Station Hope: Tuesday, May 23rd at 6:30pm. This meeting is an opportunity for CPT Staff to fill volunteers in on more details and pass on basic training about the event. On this day we’ll also tour St. John’s, and maybe see some artists work before the big day!

If you are interested, please email Jabri Johnson at jjohnson@cptonline.org

by Friday, May 19th.

We hope you can help us make the tenth year of Station Hope a huge success!

Cleveland Public Theatre is hiring an Artistic Associate

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring an Artistic Associate which is a core part of the CPT staff and will make a meaningful contribution to life at CPT and its success. This position is suited for an individual with an experience level ranging from early career Stage Management to a more seasoned theatre professional with significant line producing experience. CPT will be accepting applications for this position until the role is filled with a start date goal between July 1 and September 1, 2023.


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Cleveland Public Theatre is Hiring a Production Associate

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring a Production Associate (PA) for a seasonal full-time position. Position begins as early as June 1 (no later than June 30) and ends ideally September 22, 2023 (could be part time between September 11 and 22). Salary range is $650-750/week based on experience and range of skills. This role reports to the Associate Producer. 


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Cleveland Public Theatre is Hiring a Bookkeeping Intern

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring a part-time Bookkeeping Intern. Review of candidates will begin immediately. To apply for the position, send an email to Amy Weaver, Finance Manager, at careers@cptonline.org. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Subject line should read: [YOUR LAST NAME], Bookkeeping Intern. Your email should include an attached PDF resume. In the body of the email, please include why you are interested in this position and any scheduling details we should know about. No phone calls, please. 


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Cleveland Public Theatre is Hiring an Accounting Intern

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring a full-time Accounting Intern. Review of candidates will begin immediately. To apply for the position, send an email to Amy Weaver, Finance Manager, at careers@cptonline.org. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Subject line should read: [YOUR LAST NAME], Accounting Intern. Your email should include an attached PDF resume and one-page cover letter. No phone calls, please. 


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Cleveland Act Now (CAN) Academy: Junior and Senior Sessions